What is Sleep Apnea?

In some people, the windpipe that brings air into the body is blocked during sleep. This keeps the lungs from getting enough air. This is called obstructive sleep apnea. People who have sleep apnea stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds at a time while they are sleeping. These stops can happen up to 400 times every night. The consequences of these disturbances can be serious and sometimes life-threatening.

What happens when you Stop Breathing During Sleep?

If you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing during sleep, and the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood is upset. This imbalance stimulates the brain to restart the breathing process. The brain signals you to wake up so that the muscles of the tongue and throat can increase the size of the airway. Then, carbon dioxide can escape, and oxygen can enter the airway. These waking episodes are necessary to restart breathing (and to save your life), but you become sleep-deprived.

How do CPAP Machines Work?

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP Machines are used to alleviate the effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is the closure or partial closure of your airways during sleep. Upon preparing for sleep, patients simply turn on the machine and wear the CPAP mask.. The CPAP system allows the patient to breath freely by blowing air into the nostrils to keep the airway passages open.

What are the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Frequent cessation of breathing (apnea) during sleep.

Your sleep partner may notice repeated silences from your side of the bed.

Choking or gasping during sleep to get air into the lungs

Loud snoring

Sudden awakenings to restart breathing

Waking up in a sweat during the night

Feeling unrefreshed in the morning after a night's sleep

Headaches, sore throat, or dry mouth in the mornings after waking up

Daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times, such as during driving or at work

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